The next block of matches will commence in the Hampden Football Netball League this weekend, after a bye last round to refresh everyone on the netball court. It will be a big couple of weeks coming up, not only in the Hampden League comp, but also our quest to win through to the Melbourne Association Championships Finals. The quality of netball across all senior grades and junior grades has been impressive during the first four rounds.
Roosters Blistering Start
South Warrnambool are chasing their third straight Open Division Netball Title in 2024. The Roosters have started the new season in strong fashion, remaining undefeated after the first month, whilst the data fully supports their offensive and defensive dominance. The League Leaders have scored the most goals in the first month, averaging 63 goals per game. The addition of Emma Buwalda has been a huge plus, she is building nice synergy with Meg Carlin and Hollie Phillips. Whilst the offensive numbers are outstanding for the Roosters, their defensive end is dominating the competition too. Opposition teams are struggling to break-through South Warrnambool’s defensive end, scoring an average of 30 goals per game. A pretty hard task to get the better of Carly Watson, Ally Melblom and team.
South Warrnambool are looking very sound for a third consecutive piece of silverware in September.
Association Championships
The 2024 Association Championships will be officially announced early next week. The final trial session will be staged tonight, then coaches and selectors will choose their final squads for the first leg of the championships in Ballarat. The HFNL will take an U17 team to be led by Danielle McInerney, two U15 teams and two U13 teams to Ballarat on June 2nd. The Open Division team automatically qualified for the Melbourne Finals Day, with coach Will Jamison busy organising his squad for the June 16th contest. The response from the HFNL community has been overwhelming in regards to the trials, with more than 150 junior players showcasing their interest. An exciting month is coming ahead.
Umpire Development
A big shout out to HFNL Umpire coordinator Josie Logan for her work organising some upcoming workshops to better develop and up-skill our umpires. There has been significant change in the off-season with rule changes and our senior/junior crop of umpires are withstanding the challenges and performing well on the court. The HFNL over the next few weeks will have mentor umpires work with our emerging netball umpires.
Leading Goal Shooters
Open
1. Skye Billings (NWE) – 136 goals
2. Jessika Tobin-Salzman – 133 goals
3. Lily Eldridge (Camp) – 112 goals
4. Eboni Knights (TM) – 110 goals
5. Amy Wormald (W) – 110 goals
U17
1. Piper Stephens (Camp) – 127 goals
2. Amelia Harris (SW) – 90 goals
3. Lara Clarke (TM) – 90 goals
4. Olivia Lenehan (NWE) – 89 goals
5. Emily Hickey (Cob) – 70 goals
Round 5 Matches
Camperdown vs Cobden (Leura Oval)
Hamilton Kangaroos vs North Warrnambool (Hawkesdale)
South Warrnambool vs Warrnambool (Friendlies Society Park)
Terang Mortlake vs Port Fairy (Mortlake)
Koroit vs Portland (Victoria Park)
See you at the Netball Court
